Bekaert NV

Publicly-traded Bekaert, with 2004 revenues of 3.1 billion euros
and 18,400 employees, is big in advance metal transformation
and advanced materials and coatings. You know that wire in the
champagne cork, the steel cord in your tires or metal fencing
around your house? That's just a sample of the applications of
Bekaert's products.

Kortrijk, the largest city in western Belgium with a population
of 75,000, lies less than10 miles from the French border. Headquarters
for Bekaert is a two-story brick building in a light industrial/office
park about three miles from downtown Kortrijk. Right across the
street is the headquarters for Barco, a company I just visited.
Flags emblazoned with the Bekaert name flap on flagpoles outside
the building's entrance. The company's name in large blue lettering
near the front door lets people know they're at the right place.

Minimalist would be the word to describe the reception area with
two brown leather chairs being the only occupants. In a few minutes
I'm meeting with Christine Verhaeghe, Executive Secretary to
CEO Julien De Wilde. It's an enjoyable visit thanks to the personable
Verhaeghe. I mention having just come from Barco (across the
street) where Christa Deprez, Executive Secretary to the CEO,
gave me a nice reception. I also mention Ms. Deprez having been
with Barco for 37 years. Well, Verhaeghe isn't doing so bad in
that department either with 35 years and counting.

I'm surprised when Verhaeghe says the company has been here 20
years because the building doesn't look that old. That might
be because it was recently renovated. Between 30-35 people work
here. Parking is free and plentiful with those commuting via
bicycle enjoying covered parking, smoking isn't allowed in the
workplace and the company cafeteria serves hot food (as opposed
to just cold sandwiches). There's no corporate aircraft, no formal
dress code, it's a mile to the nearest freeway and an hour's
drive to Brussels airport. There's no corporate art collection
or on-site recreational facilities. Any employee perks? Special
prices on fencing.

CEO De Wilde occupies a second floor, middle office. I count
three family pictures, one computer, a flat screen television
and dried flowers. All the furnishings (including his desk) are
black, except for the back of the chairs, which are white. What's
the view out his window? The headquarters of Barco directly across
the street.